The aisle seat - is it really that good?

[Warks]

I've noticed that a lot of frequent flyers have a preference for the aisle seat. I have also been a keen aisle sitter over the years. However I've been flying with VA a lot more in the past year and have been taking the window seat. I think I used to take the aisle because it was easier to get up to go to the toilet without disturbing anyone plus I could get up first on landing. I think I must have thought I'd have a head start getting off the plane!

However I recently sat back in the aisle and I remembered what I didn't miss. I'm usually one of the first on being a DYKWIA with priority boarding. I get on early to ensure I've got a spot for my bags as I rarely check luggage. What is bad about the aisle is at least every third person boarding the plane and filing down the aisle (I fly a lot of 738s) seems to manage to bump their bags on some part of my body. I find myself leaning into the middle seat (if empty) to avoid this.

Also being rather broad-shouldered I seem to protrude into the aisle a bit so when the trolley comes by it often bumps me. The other bad thing is that meals and drinks get passed over your lap (and laptop) en route to the window seat with all the hazards associated with that. You also have to get up whenever the window or centre seat person needs to go to the toilet.


Hmmm. I'm thinking the window is not that bad! I don't really care for the view apart from take off and landing as often you can't see much. On short hauls I hardly ever have to get up anyway so it's not that much of a problem. In row 4 on the VA 738 the aisle passenger doesn't have to get up anyway.

As for long hauls I think I might stick with the aisle though - nothing trickier than climbing over a sleeping passenger!

What do you think? Am I being too harsh on the aisle?

 

[Boris spatsky]

I used to only sit in the aisle on short haul (over 100 sectors per year), but now have chosen to go back to window. I rarely use the toilet on short haul, view is better, i dont get bumped, i can lean on the window. It's better IMHO.

 

[totd]

On long haul in Y the window seat is definitely the way to go (IMHO). Trying to sleep is a nightmare anywhere in Y, but at least you have a wall to lean on in the window seat. I just instinctively go for the window seat now, regardless of cabin class... I guess old habits die hard.

 

[quick_dry]

Short haul: in Y I'm happy anywhere but the middle. I like the window in J, but you don't have to really climb over anybody to get out.
For long haul in Y - aisle always, easier to get up and I can give one leg a little bit of room.
Flying J long haul it depends on the layout. Usually a window, I have long enough legs I can climb over without disturbing someone - I quite like the 747 upper deck, 14A (UA 747-400) where you can either go over your rowmate, or over the gap between wall and seat. Its a bit of a contortion but avoids disturbing the other person at all.

 

[Hvr]

Aisle, always the aisle. I hate the window and will only take it as a last resort. I feel claustrophobic and when disembarking hate that I am constrained by the pax in the aisle who may not want to leave the plane quickly.

As for the shoulder bumping by people moving down the aisle, well I put my hand in front of my face when it looks like I might be hit by their bag. This proactiveness seems to make them aware that they need to take care, around me at least.

Even in J prefer the aisle to the extent of sitting in the middle block on the A380 so that no one has to climb over me.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Depends on whether there's anything to look out from for me. SYD>MEL or SYD>BNE is hardly interesting anymore, so I'd prefer to be able to get off the plane quicker. International, if its overnight, I'd prefer the Aisle as I know its easier to get up and down to my bag overhead.

 

[Skyring]

Always the window. The view is the thing, and even if it's empty desert or ocean, it's something different to the plastic and humanity inside. And for some flights, it can be pure magic. Great looping rivers in Siberia, the pristine ice islands of Greenland and Iceland, the interstates spearing across America, the glimpse of the Gateway Arch beside the Mississippi from ten kilometres up, the cliffs of Moher, the water spilling into lake Eyre, the glow of lava one midnight over Hawai'i... It's a wonder, it's the best theme park ride in the world.

There's room beside the seat to stow a little bit more, there's a wall and a window to lean my pillow against. Nobody climbing over you or passing hot food and drinks across your vulnerable bits.

I flew from JFK to Narita once, without leaving my window seat. It can be done.

And once, in J somewhere over the Pacific, I climbed over Kate Cerebrano's sleeping calves.

 

[under the radar]

window,window,window...coupled with good bladder control!! good for leaning on..looking out (even at night..wondering what those lights are in the middle of knowhere!)...and much better to dribble down a window/wall during semi slumber than on your neighbour or in the aisle!! :shock:

 

[Hvr]

<snip>

And once, in J somewhere over the Pacific, I climbed over Kate Cerebrano's sleeping calves.

That was brave, I wonder if she'd dream a little dream of me?

Sadly though, I wouldn't be her weakness.

 

[medhead]

As a "disabled" person I have to take the aisle. Otherwise, it's just too painful (as in a nuisance) getting off the plane.

 

[chrisb]

Less than 90mins then the window, otherwise aisle.

Being from Perth I don't get to see many window seats.

Yes, it's a bladder issue. (but I blame wanting to enjoy the service)

 

[tuapekastar]

.

And once, in J somewhere over the Pacific, I climbed over Kate Cerebrano's sleeping calves.

I didn't think anyone, even celebrities, were allowed to bring their livestock on board!

 

[Hvr]

Originally Posted by Skyring
.

And once, in J somewhere over the Pacific, I climbed over Kate Cerebrano's sleeping calves.

I didn't think anyone, even celebrities, were allowed to bring their livestock on board!

That deserves a thigh.

 

[serfty]

Long flight or routes I have done ad nauseum - the aisle.

Window for the occasional curiosity purpose.

Not just any window though - preference is for a window away from the Sun.

 

[Skyring]

Not just any window though - preference is for a window away from the Sun.

Yeah. Crucial that. When the sun is low, it makes all the difference between a glaring, washed-out landscape and an amazing view.

And of course, as a window-seater, I try to avoid the wings. Exit rows can be poison. Preferably well ahead of the engines, but otherwise put me in bronzeland near the tail.

 

[trentusjuventus]

For short-medium haul I would definitely say window, as I do like the view, especially takeoff and approach, plus on short flights I tend to be able to control my bladder. As for long haul, the aircraft also plays a part in my decision. For CX/QF A330's, I'd still go window, as you've only got one other person next to you, so its easier to get out if you need to, plus you can usually wait until they get up themselves, and then conveniently take a walk at the same time (plus you just need that one seat next to you to be free, and you're by yourself). I do also find that sleeping up against the wall is 'slightly' more comfortable, but it doesn't guarantee perfect sleep. For other aircraft such as 777's and 747's, I'd tend to go for the aisle as a window on these ones means interrupting two people to get out (or being lucky enough for both to get up at the same time).
You should also remember however, that being on an aisle means you will probably be disturbed by those sitting next to you wanting to get up at some stage throughout the flight.

 

[horseman]

Aisle for the elbow room and convenience

 

[BindiBratz]

A crammed in Y situation, always aisle (to avoid the claustrophobia effect), but will always pinch a vacant row for the window if any are available . . .

In J, if the layout means scrambling over a fellow passenger (or them over me), I will always take a centre block aisle. But the window is king if the layout allows all passengers direct aisle access

 

[Hvr]

<snip>
But the window is king if the layout allows all passengers direct aisle access

Much like the A380 first class A or K rows.

 

[JohnK]

My preference these days in economy is aisle seats and as I am one of the last to board I do not have an issue with people bumping into me. As for the bumps from the cart and the cabin crew these are only minor. When I first started flying I loved window seats but these I feel a little claustrophobic and not as thin as I used to be.

In business class without doubt my preference is window.